Origami uses basic folds and basic shapes to make it easier to create a model.
Understanding some of these basic folds and shapes is the first step in getting
a more experienced Origami folder.

VALLEY-FOLD
The paper is folded to the front by doing a valley-foldA valley-fold is indicated by
Now the paper is folded into
a dashed line
a valley shape

MOUNTAIN-FOLD
The paper is folded backwards by doing a mountain-fold.A mountain-fold is indicated by
Now the paper is folded into
a dash dotted line
a mountain-shape INSIDE REVERSE FOLD
The tip of the model or flap is folded to the inside.Pull/fold the tip to the inside,
Now the tip is on the inside of the model
see arrow

OUTSIDE REVERSE FOLD
The tip of the model or a flap is folded inside outFold the tip to the left
The backside of the paper is
(mirror wise on the other side)
on the outside now.

RABBIT EAR FOLD
The paper is folded into a rabbit ear like shape with these kind of folds.Prefold both edges to the
Fold both edges against each
The loose flap you've created
centerline
other, see arrows
is called an Origami rabbit ear

SQUASH-FOLD
A flap or part of the model is pressed flat by doing a squash-foldPress this flap flat from above
Now the flap is squashed

Origami BASIC SHAPES
Origami has lots of basic shapes, the three listed below are the ones I use most.
Basic shapes are used as a base for folding 'real' Origami models.
A flower with five petals is folded out of a basic shape with five points.
These five points are folded into better looking flower later.

The Preliminary Base
This basic shape is the one which is most used by Origami folders.Prefold in half over the 4 lines
Start with the two folds at 1,
This picture shows the
then the two folds at 2 and then
preliminary
base
at 3 (all six lines are prefolded)

The WATERBOMB Base
This basic shape is used for models like a waterbomb or a balloon.Prefold in half over these 4 lines
Start with the two folds at 1,
This picture shows the
then the two folds at 2 and then
waterbomb base
at 3 (all six lines are prefolded)

The BLINTZ Base
The four corners of a paper are folded to the center by doing a Blintz baseFirst, the paper is prefolded in
Then the four corners are folded
half over two lines to make the
to this centerpointcenterpoint visible